Sometimes it will seem to you that you are a part of it by reason of your connection with corporeal substance; and sometimes you will think you are all [forms], and that there is no difference between you and them, on account of the union of your being with their being, and the consubstantiality of your form and their forms... When you have raised yourself to [awareness of] the first universal matter ... and fathomed its shadowy nature, then you will see the Wonder of wonders. Therefore, pursue this diligently and with love, because this is the purpose of the existence of the human soul, and in this is great delight and extreme happiness.

(Salomon Ibn Gabirol)